Boston College students are being warned about the possibility of mumps on campus.

"Boston College Health Services has identified the possibility of the mumps virus on campus," director of health services Dr. Tom Nary wrote in a message sent to the school community.

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The school said Thursday that while there have been no confirmed cases, "clinical evaluations suggest the likelihood of a positive diagnosis among several BC students."

Several colleges along the East Coast are dealing with potential mumps issues. More than 100 cases have been reported in Virginia, most at the University of Richmond, and more than 70 cases were reported in Maryland -- most at Loyola University, officials said.

The mumps is an illness that is caused by the mumps virus, and symptoms include fever, headache, loss of appetite and sore throat.

It is spread from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva from an infected person.